Is "Allah" just the word for "God," or is "Allah" more akin to God's name (i.e., Jehovah on his business cards; Yahweh to his close personal deity buddies)???

Both.

Arabic speaking Jews and Christians (and other religions) use "allah" where we'd use god. For Muslims, "allah" is one of the many names of god, each representing an attribute (allah being his divine singularity as I understand it).

But as I understand it, Jews and Christians use "God" as a name-substitute, not as a designation. So Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians using "Allah" where they would otherwise use "God" are, in fact, using it precisely as Muslims use it (i.e., as one of the many names of God).

That's my point (not sure if we're disagreeing). When speaking in Arabic, "western" religions already call their deity Allah. In fact, the use of the word "allah" to refer to god long predates the existence of Islam.

Doesn't seem to be easing any tensions anywhere.

I suppose that's one option. I believe the term for that is Appeasement.


I have a different plan. I'll use the term God. You can use the term Allah, Buddha or feng shui for all I care and we'll all be happy. If you can't live with that simple plan then bring it and I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.

Now I want a Royale with cheese.

Levon calls his child Jesus. Because he likes the name.

And he sends him to the finest school in town

Which one is the pederast from The Big Lebowski?